GLOWORM X2 (G2.0)
£235
The second iteration of the dependable Gloworm X2 delivers a powerful 2000 lumens, which should be enough to light your way, even on the darkest of gravel routes. It has four modes (high, mid, low, flashing), each of which can be customised, and you can easily cycle through them using the remote button. The separate battery pack that houses the 10,000mAH lithium battery has protective rubber bumpers while the cable, with its neat T-shaped connection, is waterproof (the light has a high IP67 waterproof rating).
The clamp mount is fixed in seconds with an integral quick-release lever and its offset design allows for central positioning on the bar. The remote attaches using a silicone stretch band and we chose to position it right on the drops so any beam changes only took the flex of a thumb. We don’t love the extra heft of a separate battery pack (the whole thing weighs 497g including the battery), but this one is at least slim, robust and has curved rubber pads that cushion the fit and help anchor it in place.
Before riding, we used the app to customise the output of each of the modes: choose the power percentage that you want to run and it shows the run time at that power. It’s simple but effective, and we set low at 20 per cent, medium at 50 per cent and high at 100 per cent. The beam quality is excellent in all the modes, giving an even spread with no stepping and a nice, gradual fade at the edges. The reach on full power is exceptional, lighting the periphery and up to the tree canopy.
The remote has two buttons, the second of which can be synced with another Gloworm – we know committed night riders on the gravel path less travelled who run one on the bar and one on the helmet. That’s a lot of light.
The X2’s construction is superb. It’s robust, with an app that’s both simple and intuitive. In short, it’s all the light you need and none of the complication you don’t. And while we love an integrated battery, the potential to extend the X2 system could win us over.